Global political unrest prompts Dutch gold reserve relocation
AP News • • business
Key Points:
- The Dutch central bank relocated 86 metric tons of gold reserves from North America to London between March and August as a measure of "crisis preparedness" amid global political unrest.
- Prior to the move, New York and Ottawa held 31.3% and 19.7% of the Dutch gold reserves respectively; after the transfer, both cities now hold 18.5% each.
- The bank's total gold reserves amount to 612.4 metric tons, valued at approximately 72.2 billion euros ($83.6 billion) as of the end of 2025.
- Over 27 metric tons of gold were physically moved from the US and Canada to a secure vault in Zeist, Netherlands, then partially transferred to London, while the remainder of the relocation was conducted through sales and purchases between New York and London.
- Bank governor Olaf Sleijpen emphasized that the move enhances the tradability and resilience of the gold reserves, although the bank does not anticipate needing to use them.
